Season Purpose

This season will include shared challenges and adversity, and how we respond to them matters. Through hard work, competition, and overcoming obstacles together, players will build trust, form strong bonds, and learn what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Our goal is to help this team grow into young men of outstanding character, players who compete with toughness, support their teammates, learn from setbacks, and never give up.

Team Values & Culture

• School – Show good behavior at school and put effort into your schoolwork
• Team First – Put the team before yourself
• Energy – Encourage teammates and never bring them down with words or actions
• Effort – Always hustle and give your best
• Respect – Treat teammates, coaches, umpires, and opponents the right way
• Accountability – Do what you say you will do
• Coachability – Listen, learn, and try to improve
• Organization – Be on time, have your gear ready, and take care of your stuff
• Toughness – Don’t quit when things get hard

Player Expectations

• Be on time and ready
• Bring all your gear
• Hustle
• Pay attention and stay engaged
• Encourage teammates and stay positive
• Respect the field, equipment, and coaches
• Wear your uniform the correct way:
  • Hat forward
  • Jersey tucked and aligned
  • Belt & cup on
  • Cleats tied
• Arrive 60 minutes before first pitch
• No electronics once in uniform
• Stay hydrated
• Wear a long-sleeve undershirt in cold weather (below 65°)
• Control your emotions and body language
• Give full effort until we are done

Parent Expectations

• Positive support from the stands
• Let coaches coach
• Respect umpires
• 24-hour rule before addressing concerns
• Stay clear of the dugout
• Parents are responsible for the behavior of any guests they invite.

Parent–Coach Communication Boundaries

• Playing time, positions, and in-game strategy are not discussed during or immediately after games or practices
• Meetings with coaches must be scheduled in advance
• The 24-hour rule applies to all concerns unless there is a safety-related issue
• Respectful communication is expected at all times
• Concerns should be addressed directly with coaches, not through players or other parents

Making the Team

Tryouts are tentatively scheduled for February 21st & 22nd. Weather conditions and field availability will have to be monitored, and contact will be sent to all registrants once finalized. The top 12 (or fewer) players will be selected based on the best overall combination of skillset, character, and commitment. Final roster decisions will be made by a panel of coaches and program staff.

Communication Expectations

Clear and timely communication is essential to the success of this team.

• Official team communication will be shared through designated team platforms
• Players and parents are expected to check messages regularly
• Absences, late arrivals, or availability conflicts must be communicated as early as possible
• Players should communicate directly with coaches when appropriate

Social Media & Public Behavior

Players represent Tillamook 12U JBO at all times, on and off the field.

• No negative or inappropriate posts, comments, or messages about teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, or the program
• Demonstrate respect and good judgment online and in public settings
• Violations may result in disciplinary action

Playing Time & Development Philosophy

Tillamook 12U JBO is competitive baseball. Players will play a minimum of two innings per game. Playing time, positions, and roles are earned. There are no guarantees. Roles may change throughout the season based on effort, attendance, coachability, readiness and ability.

Travel & Commitment Expectations

Travel and commitment are a key part of this team. Players are expected to attend practices and games, arrive prepared, and be available for scheduled travel whenever possible, as availability and reliability impact team planning and player roles. Games are played during the week, and weeknight travel out of town will be required. The team will also be planning for and traveling to several weekend tournaments throughout the season.

• Attendance matters
• Unexcused absences and late arrivals may affect roles and playing time
• Players must manage sleep, hydration, and nutrition

Accountability & Discipline

Accountability and discipline mean taking responsibility for your actions, effort, behavior, and shared spaces. Expectations are enforced consistently to help every player learn, grow, and earn trust as a teammate. Corrective actions after direct feedback may include added housekeeping duties, running, reduced playing time, a parent meeting, or removal from a practice, game, or the season. For major incidents, a three-strike policy will be applied, and each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Senior JBO Baseball (7th/8th Grade)

Program Overview

Senior JBO Baseball is the highest level of Junior Baseball Organization play for 7th and 8th grade athletes. This is a competitive program designed to prepare players for high school baseball through advanced instruction, faster pace of play, and increased expectations.

This is not Little League. Senior JBO is played on full-size fields and emphasizes development through competition, accountability, and teamwork.

Registration & Tryouts

Registration Opens: January 24
Registration Closes: February 20

Tryouts / Evaluations
📅 February 24
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Field #1 at Tillamook Junior High School (TJHS)
🌧 Weather Backup: Tillamook High School (THS) turf football field

Location updates will be communicated if weather requires a change.

Late Registration Policy

Registration closes on February 20. Late registrations are not guaranteed and will only be considered if roster space and team balance allow.

Late registrants may:

• Be placed on a waitlist
• Miss tryouts and/or early practices
• Have limited roster consideration

No late registrations will be accepted once teams are finalized.

Team Formation (Important)

There are two Senior JBO teams, both made up of 7th & 8th graders:

• Senior American Team – Top 11–12 players available from all registrants
• Senior National Team – Next 11–12 players available from all registrants

There is not a separate 7th grade team and 8th grade team. Teams are formed based on skill level, readiness, effort, coachability, and availability, not grade.

Practice Commitment

• 2–4 practices per week, depending on the time of season
• Anticipated start: First week of March
• Practices held on weekdays
• Attendance and effort matter and may impact roles and playing time

Games & Season Timeline

• Games begin late April
• Games are primarily weekday league games, Mon/Wed for American & Tues/Thurs for National
• Weekends are generally tournament-only
• Each team will participate in at least two tournaments

⚠️ Important Scheduling Note:
The game schedule is created and published by the district and will not be available until at least April 10, possibly later.

Postseason Tournament Opportunities

Based on qualification:

Senior American Division

• District Tournament: July 9–12, 2026
• State Tournament: July 17–19, 2026

Senior National Division

• District Tournament: June 25–28, 2026
• State Tournament: July 10–12, 2026

Availability during these dates is required for postseason play.

Competitive Philosophy & Playing Time

Senior JBO is competitive baseball.

• Playing time is not equal
• Playing time is earned based on:
  • Effort and preparation
  • Attendance and availability
  • Coachability and attitude
  • Game situations and team needs

The focus is development through meaningful competition.

JBO Bat Rules (Senior Division – 7th/8th Grade)

Senior JBO follows official Junior Baseball Organization (JBO) bat regulations to ensure safety, competitive balance, and fairness.

🔗 Official JBO Bat Rules (Required Reading):
https://www.juniorbaseballorg.com/Default.aspx?tabid=732905

Approved Bat Certifications

All bats used in Senior JBO must be certified and display a visible stamp for one of the following:

• BBCOR
• BPF 1.15
• USA Baseball

The certification stamp must be clearly visible on the bat. Umpires will inspect bats prior to games.

Illegal or Altered Bats

• Bats without an approved certification are not allowed.
• Altered bats (shaved, rolled, or modified in any way) are strictly prohibited.
• Use of an illegal or altered bat may result in:
  • Player ejection
  • Head coach ejection
  • Additional discipline per JBO and district rules

Postseason & Tournament Bat Enforcement

For district and state tournament play, JBO enforces the State JBO Board–adopted Perfect Game Banned Bat List.

• Some bats may be allowed during regular season league play but
• Will NOT be permitted in district or state tournament play
• Families are strongly encouraged to confirm bat compliance before postseason play

An updated banned bat list is typically finalized and posted by the state JBO board during the season.

Umpire Bat Checks

• Umpires are required to inspect bats before games
• Any bat deemed illegal will be removed from play
• Responsibility for bat compliance rests with the player and family

Financial Assistance – NO ONE TURNED AWAY 💙

No child will ever be turned away due to financial hardship.

🧡 Step 1: Every Kid Sports Pass

• Covers youth sports registration fees
• For families receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC
• Ages 4–18
• Spring 2026 applications open: January 20 at 10:00 AM PT
• Apply: https://everykidsports.org/every-kid-sports-pass/

🏢 Step 2: YMCA Scholarships

• Available after the above options are explored
• Contact: [email protected]

⚠️ Senior JBO is not a Little League program. Little League–specific grants do not apply.

GameChanger Option

📅 March 27
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 YMCA

Umpires Needed 👨‍⚖️

We are in desperate need of umpires (volunteer or paid).

📩 Contact Steve Stelzig: [email protected]

Umpire Training (Coaches Should Attend if Possible)

📅 March 7
⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 YMCA
Covers Little League Baseball, Softball & JBO

Parent Q&A / Open Forum ❓

📅 Wednesday, March 4
⏰ 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 YMCA

Drop-in style. No agenda. Come anytime and ask questions about the season.

Coaches & Volunteer Requirements 🧑‍🏫

Interested in coaching? Email Steve Stelzig: [email protected]

Before any practice: At least two coaches per team must complete:

• YMCA Volunteer Statement
• Coaches Code of Conduct
• Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention Course
• NFHS Concussion Course

🚫 No practices until two coaches are fully cleared.

Fundraising & Sponsorships 💰

Registration fees do not cover full program costs.

Banner Sponsorship

• 2.5’ x 4’ vinyl banner
• Field (Apr–Sept) or Gym (Oct–Mar)
• 1-year term
• $350 minimum

📩 Contact Caleb Haynes: [email protected]

Tillamook YMCA is a 501(c)(3). Tax receipts available.

🙏 Huge thanks to Hampton Lumber, our Title Sponsor!

Challenger Division Buddy Games 🧡

📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026

Two games (10:00 AM & 1:00 PM) with BBQ in between. All LL and JBO teams attend in uniform and serve as buddies for Challenger athletes.

This event celebrates inclusion, service, and community and is one of the most meaningful days of the season.

Final Notes

Senior JBO Baseball is a competitive, commitment-based program designed to challenge players, support development, and prepare athletes for the next level. Clear communication, flexibility, and a positive mindset from players and families are essential to a successful season.

Schedules, teams, and details may evolve as the season approaches. Families are expected to stay informed through GameChanger and official coach-approved communications and to respect the timelines and processes outlined in this guide.

Questions are welcome and encouraged — please use the Parent Q&A / Open Forum meeting or designated communication channels to ensure concerns are addressed appropriately and efficiently.

Thank you for being part of Tillamook youth baseball and for helping create a competitive, respectful, and community-focused environment for all players.

2026 Mooks Travel Softball – Registration Opens December 5th

Mooks Travel Softball offers a competitive fastpitch experience for players 12U and up, depending on overall interest and registration numbers. Teams will compete in tournament softball, with approximately six tournaments scheduled from April through July (depending on coach/team desire). Travel team decisions will be made before Little League registration opens for the season in mid January.

Season Dates

Season Runs: April – July (Practices will begin in March and open cage/field opportunities will be ongoing before then. Please follow the Tillamook Youth Softball page to stay updated.) 
Tournament Schedule: Approximately six NAFA tournaments (official dates TBD)

Tryout Dates

TBD: Week of January 12th 2026

Cost

Player Fee: $400
Includes tournament entry fees, uniforms, equipment needs, insurance, field maintenance, facility access, etc..
Payment will NOT be required up front. There will be a date set for payment after teams are made, and if the balance is not paid by then, the player will not be allowed to participate in ANY team activities.

Financial Assistance

• If a family does not qualify, the YMCA provides financial assistance—no child is ever turned away due to inability to pay.

This program is proudly backed by the Tillamook Youth Softball Board!

Our Mission

Tillamook Youth Softball is committed to developing strong fundamentals, fostering a lifelong love of the game, and promoting the values of sportsmanship, leadership, respect, and integrity in every player. Through experienced coaching, a safe and inclusive environment, and a growth-focused culture, we provide athletes of all skill levels opportunities to play, learn, and excel. Whether recreationally or competitively, we emphasize both mental and physical development, confidence, character, and a deep understanding of the game. By engaging coaches, families, and the community, we cultivate excellence, teamwork, and community pride, provide pathways for advanced competition, and preserve the rich traditions of Tillamook softball.

Contact

Caleb Haynes
YMCA Sports Director
Tillamook County Little League & JBO President, Tillamook Youth Softball Board President
📞 (503) 842-9622 ext. 114
📧 [email protected]

Learn more and register at tillamookymca.org/programs.

⚾ T-Ball Baseball Registration (Little League Style)

Registration is OPEN March 16 – April 26

T-Ball is the perfect introduction to baseball for our youngest players! Designed for children who are Little League Baseball league age 4–6, this program focuses on fun, fundamentals, and building confidence in a positive, encouraging environment.

This division follows official Little League T-Ball rules and is ideal for first-time players and beginners—no prior baseball experience required.

📌 Determine your player’s league age here:
👉 2026 Little League Baseball Age Chart (Official)
https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/determine-league-age/

📅 Season Timeline

• Registration: March 16 – April 26

• Practices Begin: May 4

• Last Day of Games: July 1

🗓 Practices & Games

• Practices: Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 PM

• The first two weeks of the season will be practice-focused (because of this, and field space, for the first two weeks, your team may have practice 4:30-5:30 p.m.)

• After two weeks, the schedule transitions to games (with light practice built in)

👶 Who It’s For

• Players who are Little League Baseball league age 4–6

• League age is determined by the Little League Baseball Age Chart (not school grade)

• Open to new and returning players

⚾ What to Expect

• Hitting off a tee (no pitching)

• Every player bats and plays the field

• Short, structured practices and games

• Emphasis on learning:

  • Throwing, catching, hitting, and running bases

  • Listening to coaches and understanding basic game flow

  • Teamwork, sportsmanship, and having fun

🧡 Program Philosophy

T-Ball is all about development over competition. No scores or standings are kept. Our goal is to create a fun, low-pressure environment where kids feel successful, supported, and excited to play baseball.

🧢 Equipment

• Team bats and helmets are provided

• Players may bring their own bat and/or helmet if they prefer (Little League–approved equipment only)
  👉 https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/bat-rules/

• Players should bring a glove

• Cleats are optional—athletic shoes work great

👨‍👩‍👧 Coaches & Support

• Teams are led by volunteer coaches

• Focus on fundamentals, effort, and positive experiences

• Parent involvement is encouraged and welcomed

If you’re looking for a fun, structured, and age-appropriate introduction to baseball, T-Ball is the perfect place to start.